FIFA Suspend Barcelona Transfer Ban

Spanish giants Barcelona have had their transfer ban suspended, FIFA has announced.

As per BBC Sport, Barcelona had originally been hit with an 14-month ban on all transfers earlier this month as punishment for breaking rules regarding the signings of international players under the age of 18.

However, the world football governing body has declared that Barcelona will be free to sign players this summer while the club's appeal is considered.

An official announcement on FIFA.com stated: “the FIFA Appeal Committee considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect.

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"In view of the foregoing, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee assures that proper and adequate appeal proceedings will take place and, at the same time, that all rights of the club will be respected."

The reasoning given behind the suspension is that the complexities of Barcelona's appeal means that a final decision is unlikely to be made before the next transfer window opens on July 1. The transfer embargo will remain suspended until the disciplinary process is complete.

According to the Associated Press, via Yahoo News, “Barcelona has said it will pursue a further challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport if, as expected, it loses the initial appeal at FIFA.”

The news will have a huge impact on world football and could ignite a flux of transfer activity from the club during the summer as they prepare for the potential pending sentence. It also means, as per Goal.com, that the previously confirmed signing of Alen Halilovic from Dinamo Zagreb is back on.

On the pitch, Barcelona visit Villarreal on Sunday and will look to close the gap on La Liga title rivals Atletico Madrid. Gerardo Martino's men face the Rojiblancos on the final day.